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February 9, 1997 · Piper PA-44-180T · N8457H

Caldwell, NJ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 9, 1997
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality), 1 uninjured
Location
Caldwell, NJ
Aircraft
Piper PA-44-180T
Tail Number
N8457H
Operator
Wagner Airways
Injuries
Fatal
NTSB Number
NYC97LA051

The airplane was level at approximately 2,500 feet when the pilot became unconscious. The pilot-rated passenger advised the control tower of the medical emergency and landed. Attempts to revive the pilot were unsuccessful. The pilot-rated passenger stated that he was later informed the pilot suffered a heart attack as a result of severe heart disease.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's incapacitation due to a heart attack.

Full Narrative

On February 9, 1997 at 1643 Eastern Standard Time, N8457H, a Piper PA-44-180T, was on a personal flight when the pilot became incapacitated and died during a flight to Lincoln Park Airport (N07), Lincoln Park, New Jersey. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The pilot-rated passenger was not injured. The airplane was not damaged. The departure point was Greenwood Lake Airport, West Milford, New Jersey. According to the pilot-rated passenger, the airplane was level at 2,500 feet, approaching the Lincoln Park Airport. The pilot "...slumped over onto the controls." The pilot-rated passenger restrained the pilot and took control of the airplane. He chose to land at Essex County Airport (CDW), Caldwell, New Jersey, because the airplane was oriented on a straight-in approach to Runway 22. He advised the control tower of the medical emergency and proceeded to the airport. After landing, attempts to revive the pilot were unsuccessful. The pilot-rated passenger stated that he was later informed the pilot suffered a heart attack as a result of severe heart disease.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:43 EST
Nearest AirportEssex County Airport (0nm)
Runway22
Runway Length4553 ft
Runway Width80 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-44-180T
Tail NumberN8457H
Aircraft CategoryAir
OperatorWagner Airways
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · TO-360 SER · Reciprocating · 210
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality), 1 uninjured
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total2
Crew 1Age 46 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind320° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point37 C / 9 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time21:51
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data